Fluoroalkyl phosphates for use in electrochemical cells

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to fluoroalkyl phosphates, to a process for the preparation, and to their use as conductive salts in batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and galvanic cells.

The present invention relates to fluoroalkyl phosphates, to a process for their preparation, and to their use as conductive salts in batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and galvanic cells and to their use as a conductive salt in an electrolyte composition also containing a solvent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The spread of portable electronic equipment, such as, for example, laptop and palmtop computers, mobile telephones or video cameras, and thus also the demand for lightweight and high-performance batteries, has increased dramatically worldwide in recent years.

In view of this suddenly increased demand for batteries and the associated ecological problems, the development of rechargeable batteries with a long service life is of constantly increasing importance.

Lithium ion batteries and double layer capacitors with very high capacities (so-called super- or ultracapacitors) represent the current state of the art. In both systems, hydrolysis-sensitive and thermally unstable substances in the form of LiPF₆ or N(C₂H₅)₄BF₄ are currently used as conductive salt. In contact with moist air or with residual water from the solvents, HF can form rapidly. Besides the toxic properties, HF has a very adverse effect on the cycle behavior and thus on the performance of the electrochemical cells.

Alternatives which have been presented are imides, such as bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide or bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, or methanides, such as tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methanide and derivatives thereof. These salts exhibit high positive-electrode stability and, with organic aprotic solvents, form solutions of high conductivity. However, the imides have the disadvantage that they do not sufficiently passivate the aluminum metal which functions as negative-electrode current collector in batteries. By contrast, methanides can only be prepared and purified at very great effort (Turowsky, Seppelt, Inorg. Chem., 1988, 2135). In addition, the electrochemical properties, such as oxidation stability and passivation of aluminum, are very highly dependent on the purity of the methanide.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention was therefore to provide conductive salts which are electrochemically stable and are simple to prepare. A further object of the invention was also to extend or improve the service life and performance of batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and galvanic cells.

Upon further study of the specification and appended claims, further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Surprisingly, these and other objects are achieved by the provision of fluoroalkyl phosphates of the general formula (I) M^(n+)[PF_(x)(C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z))_(6−x)]_(n) ⁻  (I) in which

-   -   1≦x≦6     -   1≦y≦8     -   0≦z≦2y+1     -   1≦n≦3 and     -   M^(n+) is a monovalent to trivalent cation, in particular:     -   NR¹R²R³R⁴,     -   PR¹R²R³R⁴,     -   P(NR¹R²)_(k)R³ _(m)R⁴ _(4−k−m) (where k=1−4, m=0−3 and k+m≦4),     -   C(NR¹R²)(NR³R⁴)(NR⁵R⁶),     -   C(aryl)₃, Rb or tropylium     -   where R¹ to R⁸ are H, alkyl or aryl (C₁-C₈), which may be         partially substituted by F, Cl or Br,     -   where M^(n+)=Li⁺, Na⁺, Cs⁺, K⁺ and Ag⁺ are excluded.

Furthermore, the invention is drawn to a fluoroalkylphosphate of the formula M^(n+)[PF_(x)(C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z))_(6−x)]_(n) ⁻ in which

-   -   1≦x<6,     -   1≦y≦8,     -   0≦z≦2y+1,     -   1≦n≦3, and     -   M^(n+) is one of the following cations:     -   NR¹R²R³R⁴,     -   PR¹R²R³R⁴,     -   P(NR¹R²)(NR³R⁴)(NR⁵R⁶)(NR⁷R⁸),     -   C(NR¹R²)(NR³R⁴)(NR⁵R⁶),     -   where R¹ to R⁸ are H, C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z) or an aromatic         radical.

Preference is given to fluoroalkyl phosphates of the formula N(C₂H₅)₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃], N(CH₃)₄[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃], [N(CH₃)₄][PF₃(C₄F₉)₃], [N(C₂H₅)₄][PF₃(C₂F₅)₃], P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃], P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃], [P(CH₃)₄]⁺[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]⁻, [P(C₂H₅)₄]⁺[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]⁻, [P(CH₃)₄]⁺[PF₃[C₄F₉]₃]⁻, [P(C₂H₅)₄]⁺[PF₃[C₄F₉]₃]⁻, C[N(CH₃)₂]₃[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃] and C[N (CH₃)₂]₃[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃].

It has been found that the compounds according to the invention have very high electrochemical stability. The fluoroalkyl phosphates of the general formula (I) according to the invention can thus be employed, for example, in pure form and in the form of their mixtures, as conductive salts in primary and secondary batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and galvanic cells. It is also possible for the fluoroalkyl phosphates according to the invention to be used as conductive salt together with further salts known to the person skilled in the art.

The fluoroalkyl phosphates according to the invention are preferably used in pure form as conductive salt, since in this way particularly good reproducibility of the electrochemical properties can be achieved.

The fluoroalkyl phosphates can be prepared starting from phosphoranes, which can be prepared by the process described in German patent application no. DE 196 411 38. From 0.01 to 4 molar, preferably from 0.5 to 3 molar, particularly preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 molar, solutions or suspensions of these phosphoranes or of the fluoroalkyl phosphates are prepared in solvents, preferably in organic aprotic solvents, particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of the carbonates, esters, ethers, nitriles, amides, ketones, sulfonic acid esters, sulfonamides, sulfoxides, phosphoric acid esters, phosphoranes, chloroalkanes and mixtures thereof. Preferred solvents are solvents or mixtures thereof which are directly suitable for use in a primary or secondary battery, a capacitor, a supercapacitor or a galvanic cell, such as, for example, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, methyl acetate, γ-butyrolactone, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dioxolane, sulfolane, acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof.

For the reaction with fluoroalkyl phosphates, equimolar amounts or a slight excess of metal or nonmetal fluorides, chlorides, tetrafluoroborates or hexafluorophosphates, preferably selected from the group consisting of [NR¹R²R³R⁴]F, [NR¹R²R³R⁴]Cl, [PR¹R²R³R⁴]F, [PR¹R²R³R⁴]Cl, [P(NR¹R²)₄]F, [P(NR¹R²)₄]Cl, [C(NR¹R²)₃]Cl and [C(NR¹R²)₃]F, if desired formulations thereof in solutions, are added. For the reaction with phosphoranes, N(CH₃)₄F, N(C₂H₅)₄F, [P[(CH₃)₂]₄]F or C[N(CH₃)₂]₃F is added in equimolar amounts or in a slight excess. The mixture is stirred in the liquid range, preferably at temperatures from about 0° C. to 50° C., particularly preferably at room temperature. It is stirred for from about 0.5 hour to 48 hours, preferably for from 2 to 12 hours. If the fluoroalkyl phosphate according to the invention is prepared by metathesis, the resultant by-product is separated off by cooling the reaction mixture followed by filtration. In the reactions in which no by-product is formed, the reaction mixture can be further employed directly.

The resultant electrolytes containing the fluoroalkyl phosphate(s) in solution are suitable for use in primary batteries, secondary batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and galvanic cells and likewise represent subject matter of the present invention.

The concentration of the fluoroalkyl phosphate(s) according to the invention in these electrolytes is preferably from 0.01 to 4 mol/l, particularly preferably from 0.5 to 3 mol/l.

The invention also relates to primary batteries, secondary batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and galvanic cells which contain at least one fluoroalkyl phosphate of the general formula (I) according to the invention and optionally further salts and/or additives. These further salts and additives may be selected from those known to the person skilled in the art, for example from Doron Aurbach: Nonaqueous Electrochemistry, Marc Dekker Inc., New York 1999; D.Linden: Handbook of Batteries, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill Inc., New York 1995, and G. Mamantov and A. I. Popov: Chemistry of Nonaqueous Solutions, Current Progress, VCH Verlagsgemeinschaft, Weinheim 1994. They are hereby incorporated by way of reference and are thus regarded as part of the disclosure.

The fluoroalkyl phosphates according to the invention can be used with conventional electrolytes. Examples of suitable electrolytes are those with conductive salts selected from the group consisting of LiPF₆, LiBF₄, LiClO₄, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂ and LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃, and mixtures thereof. The electrolytes may also comprise organic isocyanates (German patent application no. DE 199 44 603) for reducing the water content. Lithium complex salts of the general formula (German patent application no. DE 199 51 804) M^(x+)[EZ]_(x/y) ^(y−) in which:

-   -   x and y are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6     -   M^(x+) is a metal ion     -   E is a Lewis acid selected from the group consisting of     -   BR¹R²R³, AIR¹R²R³, PR¹R²R³R⁴R⁵, AsR¹R²R³R⁴R⁵and VR¹R²R³R⁴R⁵,     -   R¹ to R⁵ are identical or different, are optionally bonded         directly to one another by a single or double bond, and each,         individually or together, are     -   a halogen (F, Cl or Br),     -   an alkyl or alkoxy radical (C₁ to C₈), which may be partially or         fully substituted by F, Cl or Br,     -   an aromatic ring, optionally bonded via oxygen, from the group         consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl and phenanthrenyl,         which may be unsubstituted or mono- to hexasubstituted by alkyl         (C₁ to C₈) or F, Cl or Br,     -   an aromatic heterocyclic ring, optionally bonded via oxygen,         from the group consisting of pyridyl, pyrazyl and pyrimidyl,         which may be unsubstituted or mono- to tetrasubstituted by alkyl         (C₁ to C₈) or F, Cl or Br, and     -   Z is OR⁶, NR⁶R⁷, CR⁶R⁷R⁸, OSO₂R⁶, N(SO₂R⁶)(SO₂R⁷),         C(SO₂R⁶)(SO₂R⁷)(SO₂R⁸) or OCOR⁶, where     -   R⁶ to R⁸ are identical or different, are optionally bonded         directly to one another by a single or double bond and are each,         individually or together,     -   hydrogen or as defined for R¹ to R⁵,     -   prepared by reacting a corresponding boron or phosphorus Lewis         acid/solvent adduct with a lithium or tetraalkylammonium imide,         methanide or triflate, may be present.

Borate salts (German patent application no. DE 199 59 722) of the general

formula in which:

-   -   M is a metal ion or tetraalkylammonium ion,     -   x and y are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6,     -   R¹ to R⁴ are identical or different and are alkoxy or carboxyl         radicals (C₁-C₈), which are optionally bonded directly to one         another by a single or double bond,     -   may also be present. These borate salts are prepared by reacting         lithium tetraalkoxyborate or a 1:1 mixture of lithium alkoxide         with a borate with a suitable hydroxyl or carboxyl compound in a         ratio of 2:1 or 4:1 in an aprotic solvent.

Additives, such as silane compounds of the general formula SiR¹R²R³R⁴

-   -   where R¹ to R⁴ are H     -   C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z)     -   OC_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z)     -   OC(O)C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z)     -   OSO₂C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z)     -   and         -   1≦x≦6         -   1≦y≦8 and         -   0≦z≦2y+1     -   and     -   R¹-R⁴ are identical or different     -   and are an aromatic ring from the group consisting of phenyl and         naphthyl, which may be unsubstituted or monosubstituted or         polysubstituted by F, C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z),         OC_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z), OC(O)C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z),         OSO₂C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z) or N(C_(n)F_(2n+1−z)H_(z))₂, or     -   are a heterocyclic aromatic ring from the group consisting of         pyridyl, pyrazyl and pyrimidyl, each of which may be         monosubstituted or polysubstituted by F, C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z),         OC_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z), OC(O)C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z),         OSO₂C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z or N(C) _(n)F_(2n+1−) _(z)H_(z))₂         (German patent application no. DE 100 276 26), may also be         present.

The compounds according to the invention may also be employed in electrolytes comprising lithium fluoroalkyl phosphates of the following formula Li⁺[PF_(x)(C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z))_(6−x)]⁻ in which

-   -   1≦x≦5     -   3≦y≦8     -   0≦z≦2y+1     -   and the ligands (C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z)) may be identical or         different, with the exception of the compounds of the general         formula         Li⁺[PF_(a)(CH_(b)F_(c)(CF₃)_(d))_(e)]⁻     -   in which a is an integer from 2 to 5, b=0 or 1, c=0 or 1, d=2         and     -   e is an integer from 1 to 4, with the provisos that b and c are         not simultaneously each=0, and the sum a+e is equal to 6, and         the ligands (CH_(b)F_(c)(CF₃)_(d)) may be identical or different         (German patent application no. DE 100 089 55). The process for         the preparation of lithium fluoroalkylphosphates is         characterized in that at least one compound of the general         formula         H_(m)P(C_(n)H_(2n+1))_(3−m),         OP(C_(n)H_(2n+1))₃,         Cl_(m)P(C_(n)H_(2n+1))_(3−m),         F_(m)P(C_(n)H_(2n+1))_(3−m),         Cl_(o)P(C_(n)H_(2n+1))_(5−o),         F_(o)P(C_(n)H_(2n+1))_(5−o),     -   in each of which     -   0≦m≦2, 3≦n≦8 and 0≦o≦4,     -   is fluorinated by electrolysis in hydrogen fluoride, the         resultant mixture of fluorination products is separated by         extraction, phase separation and/or distillation, and the         resultant fluorinated alkylphosphorane is reacted with lithium         fluoride in an aprotic solvent mixture with exclusion of         moisture, and the resultant salt is purified and isolated by         conventional methods.

The compounds according to the invention may also be employed in electrolytes which comprise salts of the formula Li[P(OR¹)_(a)(OR²)_(b)(OR³)_(c)(OR⁴)_(d)F_(e)]

-   -   in which 0<a+b+c+d≦5 and a+b+c+d+e=6, and R¹ to R⁴,         independently of one another, are alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl         radicals, where at least two of R¹ to R⁴ may be linked directly         to one another via a single or double bond (German patent         application no. DE 100 16 801). The compounds are prepared by         reacting phosphorus(V) compounds of the general formula         P(OR¹)_(a)(OR²)_(b)(OR³)_(c)(OR⁴)_(d)F_(e)     -   in which 0<a+b+c+d≦5 and a+b+c+d+e=5, and R¹ to R⁴ are as         defined above, with lithium fluoride in the presence of an         organic solvent.

It is also possible for ionic liquids of the general formula K⁺A⁻ in which:

-   -   K⁺ is a cation selected from the group consisting of     -   where R¹ to R⁵ are identical or different, are optionally bonded         directly to one another by a single or double bond, and each,         individually or together, have the following meaning:     -   H,     -   halogen,     -   an alkyl radical (C₁ to C₈), which may be partially or fully         substituted by further groups, F, Cl,         N(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x))₂, O(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x)),         SO₂(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x)) or C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x), where         1<n<6 and 0<x≦13,     -   and     -   A⁻ is an anion selected from the group consisting of         [B(OR¹)_(n)(OR²)_(m)(OR³)_(o)(OR⁴)_(p)]⁻     -   where 0≦n, m, o, p≦4, and     -   m+n+o+p=4,     -   where R¹ to R⁴ are different or are identical in pairs, are         optionally bonded directly to one another by a single or double         bond and are each, individually or together,     -   an aromatic ring from the group consisting of phenyl, naphthyl,         anthracenyl and phenanthrenyl, which may be unsubstituted or         monosubstituted or polysubstituted by C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x),         where 1<n<6 and 0<x≦13, or halogen (F, Cl or Br),     -   an aromatic heterocyclic ring from the group consisting of         pyridyl, pyrazyl and pyrimidyl, which may be unsubstituted or         monosubstituted or polysubstituted by C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x),         where 1<n<6 and 0<x≦13, or halogen (F, Cl or Br),     -   an alkyl radical (C₁ to C₈), which may be partially or fully         substituted by further groups, preferably F, Cl,         N(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x))₂, O(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x)),         SO₂(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x)) or C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x, where)         1<n<6 and 0<x≦13,     -   or OR¹ to OR⁴     -   individually or together are an aromatic or aliphatic carboxyl,         dicarboxyl, oxysulfonyl or oxycarbonyl radical, which may be         partially or fully substituted by further groups, preferably F,         Cl, N(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x))₂, O(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x)),         SO₂(C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x)) or C_(n)F_((2n+1−x))H_(x), where         1<n<6 and 0<x≦13 (German patent application no. DE 100 265 65),         to be present in the electrolyte. It is also possible for ionic         liquids K⁺A⁻ where K⁺ is as defined above and     -   A⁻ is an anion selected from the group consisting of         [PF_(x)(C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z))_(6−x)]⁻     -   and         -   1≦x<6         -   1≦y≦8 and         -   0≦z≦2y+1     -   to be present (GERMAN PATENT APPLICATION NO. DE 100 279 95).

The compounds according to the invention may also be present in electrolytes comprising compounds of the following formula: NR¹R²R³

-   -   in which     -   R¹ and R² are H, C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z) or (C_(n)F_(2n−m)H_(m))X,         where X is an aromatic or heterocyclic radical, and     -   R³ is (C_(n)F_(2n−m)H_(m))Y, where Y is a heterocyclic radical,         or     -   (C_(o)F_(2o−p)H_(p))Z, where Z is an aromatic radical,     -   and where n, m, o, p, y and z satisfy the following conditions:     -   0≦n≦6,     -   0≦m≦2n,     -   2≦o≦6,     -   0≦p≦2o,     -   1≦y≦8, and     -   0≦z≦2y+1,         for reducing the acid content in aprotic electrolyte systems in         electro-chemical cells.

The electrolyte may also comprise a mixture of

-   -   a) at least one lithium fluoroalkyl phosphate salt of the         general formula         Li⁺[PF_(x)(C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z))_(6−x)]         in which     -   1≦x≦5     -   1≦y≦8, and     -   0≦z≦2y+1     -   and the ligands (C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z)) are in each case         identical or different, and     -   b) at least one polymer (German Patent Application No. DE 100 58         264).

The electrolyte may also comprise tetrakisfluoroalkyl borate salts of the general formula M^(n+)([BR₄]⁻)_(n) in which

-   -   M^(n+) is a monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation,     -   the ligands R are in each case identical and are         (C_(x)F_(2x+1)), where 1≦x≦8,     -   and n=1, 2 or 3 (German Patent Application No. DE 100 558 11).         The process for the preparation of tetrakisfluoroalkyl borate         salts is characterized in that at least one compound of the         general formula M^(n+) ([B(CN)₄]⁻)_(n), in which M^(n+) and n         are as defined above, is fluorinated by reaction with at least         one fluorinating agent in at least one solvent, and the         resultant fluorinated compound is purified and isolated by         conventional methods.

The electrolyte may also comprise borate salts of the general formula M^(n+)[BF_(x)(C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z))_(4−x)]_(n) ⁻ in which:

-   -   1<x<3, 1≦y≦8 and 0≦z≦2y+1, and     -   M is a monovalent to trivalent cation (1≦n≦3), apart from         potassium and barium,     -   in particular:     -   Li,     -   NR¹R²R³R⁴, PR⁵R⁶R⁷R⁸, P(NR⁵R⁶)_(k)R⁷ _(m)R⁸ _(4−k−m) (where         k=1−4, m=0−3 and k+m≦4), or     -   C(NR⁵R⁶)(NR⁷R⁸)(NR⁹R¹⁰), where     -   R¹ to R⁴ are C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z) and     -   R⁵ to R¹⁰ are H or C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z),or     -   an aromatic heterocyclic cation, in particular a nitrogen-         and/or oxygen- and/or sulfur-containing aromatic heterocyclic         cation (German patent application no. DE 101 031 89). The         process for the preparation of these compounds is characterized         in that     -   a) BF₃/solvent complexes are reacted 1:1 with alkyllithium with         cooling, the majority of the solvent is removed after slow         warming, and the solid is subsequently filtered off and washed         with a suitable solvent, or     -   b) lithium salts in a suitable solvent are reacted 1:1 with         B(CF₃)F₃ salts, the mixture is stirred at elevated temperature,         the solvent is removed, aprotic non-aqueous solvents, preferably         solvents which are used in electrochemical cells, are added to         the reaction mixture, and the mixture is dried, or     -   c) B(CF₃)F₃ salts are reacted 1:1 to 1:1.5 with lithium salts in         water at elevated temperature and heated at the boiling point         for from 0.5 to 2 hours,     -   the water is removed, aprotic non-aqueous solvents, preferably         solvents which are used in electrochemical cells, are added to         the reaction mixture and the mixture is dried.

The compounds according to the invention may be present in electrolytes which comprise fluoroalkyl phosphate salts (German patent application no. DE 10109032) of the formula (M^(a+))_(b)[(C_(n)F_(2n+1−m)H_(m))_(y)PF_(5−y)(CR₁R₂)_(x)PF_(5−y)(C_(n)F_(2n+1−m)H_(m))_(y)]⁽²⁻⁾ _((a*b/2)) in which

-   -   M^(a+) is a monovalent, divalent or trivalent cation,     -   a=1, 2 or 3, b=2 for a=1, b=2 for a=3, b=1 for a=2     -   and in each case     -   1≦n≦8,     -   0≦m≦2 for n−1 or 2,     -   0≦m≦4 for 3≦n≦8,     -   1≦x≦12,     -   0≦y≦2,     -   where R₁ and R₂ are in each case identical or different and are         selected from the group consisting of fluorine, hydrogen, alkyl,         fluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substituents, and     -   where in each case the substituents (C_(n)F_(2n+1−m)H_(m)) are         identical or different. These compounds are prepared by reacting         at least one fluoro-α,ω-bis(alkylfluorophosphorano)alkane with         at least one fluoride salt of the general formula (M^(a+))         [F⁻]_(a), in which (M^(a+)) and a are as defined above, in         solution to give a fluoroalkyl phosphate salt, and, if desired,         purifying and/or isolating the latter by conventional methods.

The compounds according to the invention can be used in electrolytes for electrochemical cells containing positive-electrode material consisting of coated metal cores selected from the group consisting of Sb, Bi, Cd, In, Pb, Ga and tin or alloys thereof (German patent application no. DE 100 16 024). The process for the preparation of this positive-electrode material is characterized in that

-   -   a) a suspension or sol of the metal or alloy core in urotropin         is prepared,     -   b) the suspension is emulsified with C₅-C₁₂-hydrocarbons,     -   c) the emulsion is precipitated onto the metal or alloy cores,         and     -   d) the metal hydroxides or oxyhydroxides are converted into the         corresponding oxide by heating the system.

The compounds according to the invention can also be employed in electrolytes for electrochemical cells having negative electrodes made from common lithium intercalation and insertion compounds, but also with negative-electrode materials consisting of lithium mixed oxide particles coated with one or more metal oxides (German patent application no. DE 199 22 522). They may also consist of lithium mixed oxide particles coated with one or more polymers (German patent application no. DE 199 46 066). The compounds according to the invention may likewise be employed in systems having negative electrodes consisting of lithium mixed oxide particles with one or more coatings of alkali metal compounds and metal oxides (DE 100 14 884). The process for the production of these materials is characterized in that the particles are suspended in an organic solvent, an alkali metal salt compound suspended in an organic solvent is added, metal oxides dissolved in an organic solvent are added, a hydrolysis solution is added to the suspension, and the coated particles are subsequently filtered off, dried and calcined. The compounds according to the invention can likewise be employed in systems comprising positive-electrode materials with doped tin oxide (German patent application no. DE 100 257 61). This positive-electrode material is prepared by

-   -   a) adding urea to a tin chloride solution,     -   b) adding urotropin and a suitable doping compound to the         solution,     -   c) emulsifying the resultant sol in petroleum ether,     -   d) washing the resultant gel and removing the solvent by         suction, and     -   e) drying and heating the gel.

The compounds according to the invention can likewise be employed in systems comprising positive-electrode materials with reduced tin oxide (German patent application no. DE 100 257 62). This positive-electrode material is prepared by

-   -   a) adding urea to a tin chloride solution,     -   b) adding urotropin to the solution,     -   c) emulsifying the resultant sol in petroleum ether,     -   d) washing the resultant gel and removing the solvent by         suction,     -   e) drying and heating the gel, and     -   f) exposing the resultant SnO₂ to a reducing gas stream in an         aeratable oven.

The fluoroalkyl phosphates according to the invention have the advantage of being electrochemically stable. This property enables conductive salts and electrolytes comprising the compounds according to the invention to be employed in batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors and galvanic cells. They can be employed in such uses in a manner analogous to known conductive salts or electrolytes but exhibiting the stated advantages. For example, they preferably provide a positive-electrode stability of greater than 4V, more preferably greater than 5V.

The entire disclosure of all applications, patents and publications, cited above, and of corresponding German application No. 10038858.2, filed Aug. 4, 2000 is hereby incorporated by reference.

EXAMPLES

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

In the foregoing and in the following examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius; and, unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight.

Example 1 Preparation of N(C₂H₅)₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃] via Li[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]

Equimolar amounts of N(C₂H₅)₄X (X=F or Cl) in methylene chloride are added to a 1.5 to 2.5 molar solution of Li[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]. The solution is stirred at room temperature for a number of hours, during which a slight sediment of LiX forms. The reaction mixture is then held at from −30° C. to −10° C. for a further 2 hours, and the resultant precipitate is filtered off at from −30° C. to −10° C. under reduced pressure. The solvent is removed by distillation. After subsequent drying at 100° C. under reduced pressure, the product can be obtained in the form of colorless granules.

¹⁹F-NMR spectroscopy (CD₃CN; standard: CCl₃F):

-   -   −43.6 dm (1F)     -   −79.7 m (3F)     -   −81.3 m (6F)     -   −87.0 dm (2F)     -   −115.3 m (4F)     -   −115.7 m (2F)

Example 2 Preparation of N(CH₃)₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃] via PF₂(C₂F₅)₃

An equimolar amount of N(CH₃)₄F is added at −40° C. to 10 g of PF₂(C₂F₅)₃ (prepared in accordance with German patent application no. DE 198 466 36) in dichloromethane. The mixture is stirred for a number of hours and warmed to room temperature. The solvent is removed by distillation, and N(CH₃)₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃] is isolated.

¹⁹ F-NMR spectroscopy (CD₃CN; standard: CCl₃F):

-   -   −44.0 dm (1F)     -   −80.0 m (3F)     -   −82 m (6F)     -   −87.5 dm (2F)     -   −115.8 m (4F)     -   −116.2 m (2F)

Example 3 Preparation of N(CH₃)₄[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃] via PF₂(C₄F₉)₃

The preparation is carried out analogously to Example 2 starting from PF₂(C₄F₉)₃. The cation source employed is N(CH₃)₄F.

Example 4 Preparation of P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃] and P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃]

The preparation is carried out analogously to Example 2. The cation source employed is P[N(CH₃)₂]₄F.

Example 5 Preparation of P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃] and P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]

The preparation is carried out analogously to Example 1. The cation source employed is P[N(CH₃)₂]₄Cl.

Example 6 Preparation of C[N(CH₃)₂]₃[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃] and C[N(CH₃)₂]₃[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃]

The preparation is carried out analogously to Example 1. The cation source employed is C[N(CH₃)₂]₃Cl.

Example 7 Electrochemical Stability of the Electrolytes

In a measurement cell with stainless steel, platinum or gold working electrode, lithium counterelectrode and lithium reference electrode, in each case 5 cyclic voltammograms were recorded one after the other. To this end, the potential was firstly increased starting from the rest potential at a rate of 10 mV/s or 20 mV/s to 6 V against Li/Li⁺, and then moved back to the rest potential. In order to be able to utilize the highest possible electrochemical window, a 1:1 mixture of EC and DMC was used as solvent.

All electrolytes here exhibit a positive-electrode stability of greater than 5 V. FIG. 1 shows this in a representative manner for the electrolyte comprising [PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]⁻.

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graphic representation of the oxidation stability results from Example 7. 

1. A fluoroalkyl phosphate of the formula (I) M^(n+)[PF_(x)(C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z))_(6−x)]_(n) ⁻  (I) in which 1≦x<6, 1≦y≦8, 0≦z≦2y+1, 1≦n≦3, and M^(n+) is one of the following cations: NR¹R²R³R⁴, PR¹R²R³R⁴, P(NR¹R²)(NR³R⁴)(NR⁵R⁶)(NR⁷R⁸), C(NR¹R²)(NR³R⁴)(NR⁵R⁶), where R¹ to R⁸ are H, C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z) or an aromatic radical.
 2. A fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 1, which is: a) [N(CH₃)₄][PF₃(C₄F₉)₃], b) [N(C₂H₅)₄][PF₃(C₂F₅)₃], c) [P(C₂H₅)₄]⁺[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]⁻, or d) [P(C₂H₅)₄]⁺[PF₃[C₄F₉]₃]⁻.
 3. A fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 1, which is: a) N(C₂H₅)₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃], b) N(CH₃)₄[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃], c) P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃], d) P[N(CH₃)₂]₄[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃], e) [P(CH₃)₄]⁺[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]⁻, f) [P(CH₃)₄]⁺[PF₃[C₄F₉]₃]⁻, g) C[N(CH₃)₂]₃[PF₃(C₂F₅)₃]or h) C[N (CH₃)₂]₃[PF₃(C₄F₉)₃].
 4. A process for preparing a fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 1, which comprises reacting a phosphorane with a fluoride salt or reacting a fluoroalkyl phosphate with an M^(n+) salt with fluoride, chloride, tetrafluoroborate, and hexafluorophosphate in a solvent.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein the solvent is an organic aprotic solvent.
 6. A process for the preparation of a fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 4, which comprises reacting a fluoroalkyl phosphate with [NR¹R²R³R⁴]X, [P(NR¹R²)₄]X, [PR¹R²R³R⁴]X or [C(NR¹R²)₃]X, where X=F⁻, Cl⁻, BF₄ ⁻ or PF₆ ⁻, and R¹⁻⁴ are H, C_(y)F_(2y+1−z)H_(z) or an aromatic radical.
 7. A process for the preparation of a fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 4, which comprises reacting a phosphorane with N(CH₃)₄F, N(C₂H₅)₄F, [P[N(CH₃)₂]₄]F or C[N(CH₃)₂]₃F.
 8. A process for the preparation of a fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 3, which comprises reacting a fluorinated alkylphosphorane in a solvent or solvent mixture which is directly suitable for use in a primary or secondary battery, a capacitor, a supercapacitor or a galvanic cell.
 9. A process for the preparation of a fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 5, wherein the organic aprotic solvent is selected from the group consisting of the carbonates, esters, ethers, nitriles, amides, ketones, sulfonic acid esters, sulfonamides, sulfoxides, phosphoric acid esters, phosphoranes, chloroalkanes and mixtures thereof.
 10. A process according to claim 4, wherein the solvent employed is dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, methyl propyl carbonate, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane, methyl acetate, γ-butyrolactone, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, dimethyl sulfoxide, dioxolane, sulfolane, acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof.
 11. A primary battery, secondary battery, capacitor, supercapacitor or galvanic cell, which contains as a conductive salt, at least one fluoroalkyl phosphate of claim 1, optionally also in combination with further salts.
 12. An electrolyte for a primary battery, secondary battery, capacitor, supercapacitor or galvanic cell comprising at least one fluoroalkyl phosphate according to claim 1 in solution.
 13. An electrolyte according to claim 12, wherein the concentration of the fluoroalkyl phosphate(s) in the electrolyte is from 0.5 to 3 mol/l.
 14. An electrolyte according to claim 12, wherein the concentration of the fluoroalkyl phosphate(s) in the electrolyte is from 0.01 to 4 mol/l. 